pda | ipod | mobile phone | GPS Info

HTC is developing a new mid-range smartphone that should offer some advanced features despite a simple design, according to an FCC filing. The S640, nicknamed the Iris, will include a 2.4-inch LCD similar to the Dash or other fixed-keyboard smartphones and will go without a touchscreen. Powered by Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 Standard, the HTC IRIS is a powerful smartphone with integrated WiFi, bluetooth, GPS and EVDO Rev. A connection.

Specifications:

• OS: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 Standard
• Display: 2.4 inch, 320 x 240 TFT LCD
• Memory: ROM 256 MB/ RAM 64 MB
• Qualcomm MSM7500, 400 MHz
• CDMA 1x-EVDO Rev. A, dual-band 800/1900 MHz
• Bluetooth
• Wireless LAN 802.11 b/g
• gpsOne
• Camera: 2 mega pixels
• Battery: 1200 mAH
• miniUSB, USB 1.1
• QWERTY keyboard
• Expansion: MicroSD

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Garmin presented the new GPS product, the nuvi 260. Instead of calling out the distance to the next turn or stop, the GPS unit can intelligently add the actual street to the directions. This helps drivers focus on looking ahead to the next turn instead of distracting themselves with double-checking the turn on the 3.5-inch touchscreen, according to Garmin.

Garmin ships the 260 later this month bundled with a car mounting kit for $500. [via]

LG Wave has to offer rather low performances that some people might find to be just enough for their everyday use. The 1.3 megapixel camera has not been considered for a long time now to be an evolved performance coming from mobile phones. It is outdated and brings poor quality images, but can turn out as highly useful in a large number of situations.

Having a device for highly practical purposes and less for showing off is just what LG Wave has to offer to its owner. Its black case features some appealing lines, although this couldn’t be called an elegant design for a clamshell phone. It’s simple and sticks to the basic needs of the user, just as it does in the case of its performances.

The built-in GPS Assistant is probably one of the most important features that LG Wave has to offer for its owner. Such a service is always welcomed, especially now that main mobile phone producers are looking to find ways to pack GPS services in most of their handsets. Another important feature about this device is that it packs Bluetooth connectivity, MP3 player and an expandable memory slot.
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Mio A501, the GPS with function PDA and Phone too comes with Windows Mobile 5 installed, which could use some upgrading, as most evolved smartphones nowadays manage to pack the latest version of the software. Putting windows Mobile 6 on this device will probably improve only slightly its performances, as it has several other features which could use some upgrading.

The A501 comes packed with the SiRFstar III GPS receiver and boasts an intuitive interface for route planning. The 2.7 inch display touchscreen is just what this device needs for providing the best view for the user on the route he should follow. The 320 x 240 pixel resolution is also one of the highest for handsets nowadays and proves to be excellent for the kind of images that this device has to provide for its user.
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BlackBerry 8310, significant upgrade to the original Curve launched earlier this year. The new version of the phone adds a live GPS receiver absent in the normal 8300 edition and lets users plot driving routes by downloading map data from a central server, RIM says. Mapping also integrates with a user’s contact list and provides an easy shortcut to finding coworkers and friends.
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LG released newest GPS with widescreen nav unit, this product called the LN790 with a 4.3-inch widescreen and also the most advanced, bringing in support for Traffic Message Channel data for live route congestion info in 50 major North American urban areas and Bluetooth for hands-free speakerphone use. Maps come preloaded on an SD card that ships with the system. Passengers can also play music or watch videos when the map function isn’t immediately needed. Map information is also comprehensive and includes maps for all US states, its Puerto Rican territory, and Canada.

LG LN790 will be available in North American shops in September at a price of $699. [via]